Essex County Council has issued a helpful reminder about the County, Borough and District council elections taking place this Thursday (May 7th)
"Residents are being reminded to cast their vote in the Essex County Council [and Brentwood Borough Council and Epping Forest District Council] elections being held on Thursday 7 May 2026.
A record 428 candidates are running for election to Essex County Council in 2026. It marks an almost 25% increase from the 350 who stood in the previous elections in 2021.
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm, giving voters plenty of time throughout the day to cast their vote.
Voters should attend the polling station listed on their polling card, though they can still vote without a polling card.
Voter ID is required at polling stations. Residents should check now whether they have an accepted form of ID.
Polling stations are designed to be accessible and welcoming to all. Staff will be on hand to provide assistance and ensure voters can cast their ballot independently and in secret.
Support is available for anyone who needs it, including:
- assistance from trained polling station staff
- the option to bring a companion over the age of 18 to help complete the ballot
- accessibility equipment such as tactile voting devices, large print ballot papers and seating where possible
If voters have specific accessibility requirements, they are encouraged to speak to staff on arrival who will do their best to accommodate individual needs.
More information about the elections, how to vote and what to expect can be found at https://www.essex.gov.uk/about-council/county-council-elections"
